- Download our Moving to the UK Guide (PDF)
Moving to the United Kingdom, like moving anywhere, comes with both positives and negatives, and it's important for you as a prospective expat to weigh these up before making the decision to relocate.
Here is our list of pros and cons of moving to the UK.
Healthcare in the United Kingdom
+ PRO: Access to the NHS
Living in the UK will give you access to a good standard of healthcare through the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. The cost of medication is often subsidised (or completely covered).
- CON: Long NHS waiting lists
The downside of using the UK’s publicly funded health service is that there are often long waiting lists for specialist treatments. You can bypass these waiting lists by using private healthcare, but this comes at a high cost. You should invest in a good health insurance policy if you have chronic conditions.
Education in the United Kingdom
+ PRO: Access to free education
Anyone legally resident in the UK has the right to send their child to a public school at no cost. This option is worth exploring, though quality can vary.
- CON: Variable standard of public schools
While public schools in the UK are free, the standard of education varies considerably. Better public schools tend to be oversubscribed, with priority given to students living locally. There are also lots of failing schools, especially in inner-city areas. It’s worth reading Ofsted reports on potential schools to make an informed decision.
Education and schools in the UK
Weather in the United Kingdom
- CON: Unpleasant weather
The UK is known for its less-than-stellar weather. Winters are long, cold, and dreary. During the winter months, the days are short, and it gets dark early. Basically, bring a coat or six.
+ PRO: People make the most of the summer
The British summer may be nothing remarkable to those from more exotic destinations, but Brits make the most of every little bit of sunshine. The country comes alive in the summer months when people can be seen enjoying the sunshine in the local park or spending an afternoon in a beer garden.
Lifestyle in the United Kingdom
+ PRO: The UK is at the forefront of arts, culture and sporting events
Living in the UK will give you access to some of the world’s leading arts, culture, and sporting events. Many international events are held in the UK’s major cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Thanks to the UK being a relatively small country with an efficient transport network, travelling around to see your favourite team play football or to catch an international music act on tour isn’t too much of a hassle.
- CON: Traditional British food is mediocre
The British don’t have much to boast about when it comes to their traditional cuisine. Beyond fish and chips, a full English breakfast, and a lot of beer, there isn’t much to get excited about. That said, the beauty of living in a country with such a diverse population is that in almost every town or city, you are sure to find a wealth of international food offerings to keep things interesting. And cities such as London have plenty of Michelin-starred eateries.
Local Culture in the UK
Shopping, Restaurants, and Outdoor Activities in London
Working in the United Kingdom
- CON: Highly competitive job market
Many industries in the UK are highly competitive. While some companies provide excellent employment packages, these lucrative offers are often only made to highly skilled workers at the top of their field of work.
+ PRO: Strong labour laws and generous employee benefits
If you are working full-time in the UK, you are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of annual leave per year. Sick leave and parental leave benefits in the UK are also quite generous.
Local culture in the United Kingdom
+ PRO: Diverse population
The UK has a long history of immigration, which contributes to the diversity of its population. This is especially evident in the makeup of its major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. You'll be able to connect with many people who have similar experiences of moving overseas.
+ PRO: Proximity to Europe
A huge advantage of living in the UK is its easy access to the rest of Europe. With the growth of budget airlines, it's possible to travel to a whole host of fantastic European destinations without breaking the bank.
Visas for the United Kingdom
- CON: Visa requirements are stringent
The UK is a hugely popular expat destination, but the country has become increasingly strict about who it allows in. You have to meet a multitude of requirements before being granted a work permit for the UK.
+ PRO: Opportunities for skilled workers
Despite visa restrictions, Britain has a history of sourcing skilled workers from abroad. If you have sought-after skills, you should be able to move to the UK easily. The visa processing system itself is pretty efficient as long as you have all your paperwork in order.